Georgia has set a condition for Russia regarding the restoration of diplomatic relations
Georgia has no plans to restore diplomatic relations with Russia until Moscow reverses its decision to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Officials in Tbilisi call this the main obstacle to the resumption of official contacts between the two countries.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that diplomatic relations with Russia cannot be restored at this time. The reason is Moscow’s decision to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. “As long as this so-called recognition remains a fact on the part of the Russian Federation, diplomatic relations, of course, cannot be restored,” Kobakhidze said.
According to him, a peaceful resolution of the conflict surrounding the two Georgian regions remains one of the country’s top foreign policy priorities. The Georgian government also hopes that the situation can be changed following political changes in Russia. “Our goal regarding the Russian Federation is to resolve the conflict peacefully. This is our stated political position, and we hope that after political changes, all of this will become achievable,” the prime minister stated.
Thus, Tbilisi does not rule out the possibility of future dialogue with Moscow. But for now, according to the Georgian government, the necessary conditions for this do not exist.
What Happened Between Georgia and Russia
The roots of the current situation date back to August 2008. At that time, a military conflict broke out between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The fighting lasted about five days. After the war, the Georgian government lost control of both regions. In late August 2008, Russia announced its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. In response, Georgia severed diplomatic relations with Moscow.
At the same time, the international community does not recognize these territories as independent states. Abkhazia and South Ossetia are generally considered part of Georgia’s territory. It is precisely Moscow’s 2008 decision that remains the main reason why Tbilisi is not ready to restore diplomatic relations with Russia. Until Russia revises its position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Georgia does not plan to return to full diplomatic relations with Moscow. This was reported by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
The Georgian State Security Service has opened a criminal investigation under the sabotage statute in connection with a large-scale disinformation campaign targeting Russian tourists. According to investigators, false reports were circulated on social media alleging hostile behavior by Georgian residents toward Russian citizens.
